Absorbent article having a multilayer visual signal

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article and method of making an absorbent article. The absorbent article has a first layer and a second layer in facing relationship with one another. The first layer has a first imparted colored region coincident with the longitudinal centerline. The second layer has a second imparted colored region laterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away from the longitudinal centerline than the first imparted colored region. The second imparted colored region extends across the longitudinal centerline and has free ends. The absorbent article has a background region. The first imparted colored region and the second imparted colored region differ in color as compared to the background region.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.12/188,543, filed Aug. 8, 2008. This application is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/188,598, filed Aug. 8,2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is an absorbent article having visually perceptible elementson multiple layers of the absorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of absorbent articles that include different colored regionsare available in the market. Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkinsand female adult incontinence articles that function to collect fluiddischarged from a woman's vagina or urethra sometimes include a coloredregion proximal the central portion of the absorbent article thatdiffers in color from portions of the absorbent article remote from thecentral portion of the absorbent article.

By including a colored region in the central portion of the absorbentarticle, manufacturers of absorbent articles have effectively taughtconsumers that the central portion of the absorbent article is where thefluid collected should reside. Manufacturers have devised a variety ofdesigns for central colored regions. In some absorbent articles, thecentral colored region is relatively narrow as compared to the overallwidth of the absorbent article and extends only along about one-half ofthe length of the absorbent article. One possible reason that relativelynarrow central colored regions were adopted was that such coloredregions could provide a desired visual impression, such as theimpression of depth. Central colored regions also might help theconsumer understand how her use and placement of the product in herpanty might be affecting the staining pattern of absorbent article,which might help her improve how and where she mounts the chassis of theabsorbent article in her panty to achieve maximum performance.Manufacturers that have adopted designs having narrow central coloredregions have developed manufacturing capability and capacity to produceabsorbent articles having such designs at high speed.

High speed manufacturing lines that include printing capabilityrepresent a high capital cost to manufacturers of absorbent articles.For manufacturers to effectively recover the cost of such capital, it isadvantageous for manufacturers to use existing manufacturing lines tocontinue manufacturing absorbent articles. In some instances, theapproach manufacturers have chosen to provide for central coloredregions might not be easily adapted to provide for colored regions thatare wider than those formerly produced, due to the crowded nature of themanufacturing line. Thus, if a manufacturer desires to provide forvisual elements across a greater width of the absorbent article, themanufacturer might have to retool the manufacturing line to provide formore laterally extensive colored regions, thus incurring additionalcapital cost.

Another problem associated with narrow central colored regions onabsorbent articles is that some consumers associate stain patterns thatextend outside the central colored region as indicating that theabsorbent capacity of the absorbent article is exhausted. In someabsorbent articles, the central colored region could account for lessthan 25% of the absorbent capacity of the absorbent article.

Absorbent articles currently available in the market place are generallyprovided with colored regions on only a single component, such as thesecondary topsheet or topsheet. Such an approach limits the design spacein which designers can create innovative designs that meet consumerdemands and might limit the ability of manufacturers to easily move tomore complex and laterally extensive designs.

With these limitations in mind, there is a continuing unaddressed needfor absorbent articles that can be manufactured cost effectively usingexisting manufacturing capability that can be provided with additionalcolored regions that are laterally more extensive than those formerlyproduced by such manufacturing lines. Further, there is a continuingunaddressed need for absorbent articles that reassure the user thatfluid in the absorbent article in regions outside of a relatively narrowcolored region is securely retained in the absorbent article and sheneed not worry about a leak. Further, there is a continuing unaddressedneed for absorbent articles that are provided with colored regions onmultiple layers so that designers have a richer palette of colorimpression with which to work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is an absorbent article having a body facing surface and agarment facing surface. The absorbent article comprises a first layerand a second layer in facing relationship with one another. Theabsorbent article has a centroid. The absorbent article has alongitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline intersecting thelongitudinal centerline at the centroid and, the transverse centerlineis orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline. The absorbent article hasa background region. The first layer comprises a first imparted coloredregion coincident with the longitudinal centerline. The second layercomprises a second imparted colored region laterally more extensive in adirection orthogonally away from the longitudinal centerline than thefirst imparted colored region. The second imparted colored regionextends across the longitudinal centerline. The second imparted coloredregion has free ends. The background region, first imparted coloredregion, and the second imparted colored region are viewable from thebody facing surface. The first imparted colored region and the secondimparted colored region differ in color from the background region.

Also disclosed is a method for fabricating an absorbent article having abody facing surface, a garment facing surface, and a periphery. Theabsorbent article comprises a first layer and a second layer in facingrelationship with one another. The absorbent article has a centroid. Theabsorbent article has a longitudinal centerline and a transversecenterline intersecting the longitudinal centerline at the centroid andorthogonal to the longitudinal centerline. The method comprises thesteps of providing the first layer with a first imparted colored regioncoincident with the longitudinal centerline. The first imparted coloredregion is provided by a first coloration technique. The second layer isprovided with a second imparted colored region that is laterally moreextensive in a direction orthogonally away from the longitudinalcenterline than the first imparted colored region and extends across thelongitudinal centerline. The second imparted colored region extendsacross the longitudinal centerline. The second imparted colored regionis provided by a second coloration technique. The first layer and secondlayer are brought into registration with one another. The absorbentarticle comprises a background region. The background region, the firstimparted colored region, and the second imparted colored region areviewable from the body facing surface. The first imparted colored regionand the second imparted colored region differ in color from thebackground region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an absorbent article.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the absorbent article illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the first layer of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of the second layer of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an absorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

“Absorbent articles” as referred to herein can be sanitary napkins,pantiliners, or incontinence pads that are worn in the crotch region ofan undergarment. It is even conceivable that baby diapers, adultincontinence diapers, and human waste management devices might benefitfrom the present invention even though they are conventionally not wornin conjunction with an undergarment. Absorbent articles can bedisposable absorbent articles.

The term ‘color’ as referred to herein includes any primary color, i.e.,white, black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigo aswell as any declination thereof or mixture thereof. The term ‘non-color’or ‘non-colored’ refers to the color white which is further defined asthose colors having an L* value of at least 80, an a* value equal to0±2, and a b* value equal to 0±2.

The term ‘disposable’ is used herein to describe absorbent articles thatare not intended to be re-launched or otherwise restored or reused as anabsorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be disposed of after asingle use).

Non-limiting examples of panty liners and sanitary napkins which may beprovided with a first imparted colored region on a first layer andsecond imparted colored region on a second layer include thosemanufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, suchas ALWAYS ULTRA, ALWAYS INFINITY, and ALWAYS pantiliners. Absorbentarticles such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246, 4,463,045,6,004,893, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 4,556,146, 4,589,876, 4,687,478,4,950,264, 5,009,653, 5,267,992, and Re. 32,649 are also contemplated asbeing absorbent articles that might benefit from such a structure.

A top view of an absorbent article 5 is shown in FIG. 1. The absorbentarticle 5 can have a substantially planar configuration and a centroid40. The centroid 40 is the in-plane center of mass of the absorbentarticle 5. The centroid 40 is at the intersection between thelongitudinal centerline L and transverse centerline T. The transversecenterline T is orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline L. Theabsorbent article 5 need not be symmetric about the transversecenterline T. The absorbent article 5 can be symmetric about thetransverse centerline T. The absorbent article 5 has a body facingsurface 10 and a garment facing surface. The absorbent article 5comprises a first layer 20 and a second layer 22. The first layer 20 andsecond layer 22 can be in a facing relationship. For example first layer20 and second layer 22 can be substantially planar webs of materialoverlying one another and in contact with one another or overlying oneanother with another material or web of material (or more than onematerial/web of material) intermediate between the first layer 20 andsecond layer 22. The absorbent article can have a backsheet 80. Thesecond layer 22 can be the topsheet 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 5, can be considered to have aviewing surface that is the body facing surface 10. The body facingsurface 10 can be the side of the absorbent article 5 that is in contactthe wearer's body when the absorbent article 5 is worn, as might be thecase for a sanitary napkin, panti-liner, or adult incontinence product,or is inserted into the wearer's body, as might be the case for atampon. For a generally cylindrical tampon, the longitudinal centerlineL is considered to be on the body facing surface 10 of the tampon,aligned with the central axis of the tampon and the centroid 40 can bethe midpoint of the longitudinal centerline L.

The body facing surface 10 can be the side of the second layer 22 thatis in contact the wearer's body when the absorbent article 5 is worn. Insuch an arrangement, the second layer 22 can function as a topsheet, thesecond layer 22 being a fluid pervious polymer film, fluid perviousnonwoven, or other suitably fluid pervious material. In anotherembodiment, a topsheet, such as a fluid pervious polymer film or fluidpervious nonwoven, can be between the wearer's body and the second layer22. The first layer 20 and second layer 22 are visible (can be visuallyperceived by the observer) when the body facing surface 10 is presentedtowards an observer even though the second layer 22 is between theobserver and the first layer 20.

When the body facing surface 10 of the absorbent article 5 is viewed,the absorbent article 5 can have a background region 50. The backgroundregion 50 is a region that is visually distinguishable from the firstimparted colored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70. Thebackground region 50 can be white or any other color visuallydistinguishable from the first imparted colored region 60 and secondimparted colored region 70. Colors are believed to be visuallydistinguishable if there is a ΔE between the two colors of at leastabout 1.

The first layer 20 comprises the first imparted colored region 60. Thefirst imparted colored region 60 can be a constituent part of firstlayer 20, as might be the case if a predetermined portion of first layer20 comprises pigmented fibers or has been rendered to have a color thatdiffers from the constituent color of first layer 20. The first impartedcolored region 60 can be provided by printing on a portion the firstlayer 20. The first imparted colored region 60 can be the constituentcolor of the first layer 20 with the background region 50 rendered tohave a color that differs from the constituent color of the first layer20. The first imparted colored region 60 can be provided on, forinstance, the body facing side of the first layer 20 or the garmentfacing side of the first layer 20, the garment facing side of a layer orthe absorbent article 5 being the side of the layer or absorbent article5 oriented away from the wearer's body. The body facing side of thefirst layer 20 is oriented towards the second layer 22.

Similarly, the second layer 22 comprises the second imparted coloredregion 70. The second imparted colored region 70 can be a constituentpart of the second layer 22, such as a predetermined portion of secondlayer 22 that comprises pigmented fibers or has been rendered to have acolor than differs from the constituent color of the second layer 22,for example by printing. The second imparted colored region 70 can bethe constituent color of the second layer 22 with the background region50 rendered to have a color that differs from the constituent color ofthe second layer 22. The second imparted colored region 70 can beprovided on, for instance, the body facing side of the second layer 22or the garment facing side of the second layer 22, the garment facingside of the second layer 22 being the side of the absorbent articleoriented away from the wearer's body and towards the first layer 20.Providing the first imparted colored region 60 and the second impartedcolored region 70 on two different layers of material may provide for amanufacturing approach that might not require significant alteration ofthe manufacturing line to produce the desired absorbent article 5.

The first imparted colored region 60 can be coincident with thelongitudinal centerline L. That is, a portion of the first impartedcolored region 60 can intersect with the longitudinal centerline L.

When the body facing surface 10 is viewed, the background region 50,first imparted colored region 60, and second imparted colored region 70are viewable by an observer. The first imparted colored region 60 andsecond imparted colored region 70 are visibly distinct from thebackground region 50 in that first imparted colored region 60 and secondimparted colored region 70 each differ in color as compared to thebackground region 50. The first imparted colored region 60 and thebackground region 50 can differ in color by a ΔE, which is discussed inmore detail below, of at least about 1. The first imparted coloredregion 60 and the background region 50 can differ in color by a ΔE,which is discussed in more detail below, of at least about 3, if morevisual distinctiveness is desired.

Similarly, the second imparted colored region 70 and the backgroundregion 50 can differ in color by a ΔE of at least about 1. The firstimparted colored region 60 and the second imparted colored region 70 canboth differ in color as compared to the background region 50 by a ΔE ofat least about 1. The first imparted colored region 60 and the secondimparted colored region 70 can be more visually distinguishable if thereis a ΔE between the two colors of at least about 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second imparted colored region 70 can belaterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away from thelongitudinal centerline L than the first imparted colored region 60. Thesecond imparted colored region 70 can substantially surround the firstimparted colored region 60. Manufacturing lines capable of producingcurrent market absorbent articles may already be configured to print arelatively narrow first imparted colored region 60. For instance, somemanufacturing lines might employ an inkjet printing apparatus having acartridge width, as measured in the cross-direction of the manufacturingline, of about 30 mm. Manufacturers that desire to deploy visual signalsthat are wider in the cross-direction can add an additional component tothe manufacturing line that creates a second imparted colored region 70on a second layer 22, the second imparted colored region 70 beinglaterally more extensive than the first imparted colored region 60, yetstill retain the relatively inexpensive apparatus that may have alreadybeen proven to provide a narrower first imparted colored region 60 ofsufficient quality and at a sufficient speed. The second layer 22 can befed into the manufacturing process independently and subsequentlycombined with the absorbent article 5 in a suitable fashion so as toresult in the first layer 20 and second layer 22, and imparted coloredregions thereon, combining to produce a combined visual impression, suchas the visual impression of depth or increased thickness of theabsorbent article 5.

The second imparted colored region 70 can be designed so as to bevisually complementary to the first imparted colored region 60 and bepresented to the viewer over a wider/more extensive portion of the bodyfacing surface 10. It is thought that by having the second impartedcolored region 70 on a different layer of material than the firstimparted colored region 60 that a richer visual impression can becreated on the absorbent article 5. For instance, since the firstimparted colored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70 are ondifferent layers of materials, when viewed, at least one of the coloredregions will be viewed through the layer comprising the other coloredregion. A colored region viewed through another layer material can havea significantly different visual impression in terms ofsoftness/diffuseness of the image, somewhat like the difference betweena matte finished photograph versus a gloss finished photograph or theway an undergarment looks beneath a sheer article of clothing. Further,having the second imparted colored region 70 on a different layer ofmaterial than the first imparted colored region 60 may be more costeffective than retooling the manufacturing line to print a relativelywide second imparted colored region 70 and first imparted colored region60 on a single substrate because the approach and equipment forproviding the first imparted colored region 60 can continue to be used.

Further, if the first imparted colored region 60 is provided by inkjetprinting, the design of the first imparted colored region 60 can beeasily changed so that absorbent articles 5 within a single package ordifferent packages can have different designs for the first impartedcolored region 60. The second imparted colored region 70 might beprovided by a contact printing apparatus that cannot be easily altered.Thus, the second imparted colored region 70 can be a constant designrecognizable by consumers as being a product from a particular brand orof a particular quality. Such arrangements can be achieved withoutaltering the portion of the manufacturing line that is used to producerelatively narrow first imparted colored region 60 on a single layer.

A second imparted colored region 70 that is laterally more extensivethan the first imparted colored region 60 can also provide theimpression to the wearer that such laterally more extensive portions ofthe absorbent article 5 are capable of acquiring and retaining fluid.For instance, if the second imparted colored region 70 extends across asubstantial portion of the absorbent article 5 in the cross-directionCD, viewers of the absorbent article 5 may interpret the second impartedcolored region 70 as providing a barrier to fluid flow beyond suchsecond imparted colored region 70 or a boundary beyond which the wearershould not expect fluid to pass as the fluid travels in themachine-direction MD of the absorbent article 5.

Colored regions of varying width imparted on different layers ofmaterials may also offer a wider array of design choices to designersfor creating the impression of depth in the absorbent articles 5 andcommunicating various functions of portions of absorbent article 5, suchportions of the absorbent article 5 that might act or be perceived toact as a barrier to flow of liquids.

The first imparted colored region 60 can be coincident with the centroid40. The centroid 40, being the in-plane center of mass of the absorbentarticle 5, might be associated by the user as being the location of theabsorbent article 5 that should be proximal her vaginal opening orurethra. Designs in which the first imparted colored region 60 issymmetric about the longitudinal centerline may provide for a morepleasing impression of the absorbent article 5 than designs in which thefirst imparted colored region 60 is not symmetric with respect to thelongitudinal centerline L.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first imparted colored region 60 and secondimparted colored region 70 can be spaced apart from one another alongthe longitudinal centerline. By spacing apart the first imparted coloredregion 60 and second imparted colored region 70, it is believed thatimproper phasing of the first layer 20 and second layer 22 that mightoccur when the two layers are brought together or in registration withone another during manufacture might not be so apparent to the consumerbecause it might be difficult to perceive relatively small differencesfrom one pad to another pad of a gap between the first imparted coloredregion 60 and second imparted colored region 70. The first impartedcolored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70 can be separatedfrom one another by the background region 50.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article has a periphery 110. Thebackground region 50 can be between the second imparted colored region70 and the periphery 110. Such an arrangement is thought to provide foran improved visual impression in that the periphery 110 has a clean linethat is not interrupted by colored regions of the absorbent article 10.For the same reason, the first imparted colored region 60 and secondimparted colored region 70 can be substantially surrounded by thebackground region 50. For instance, less than 25% of the periphery 110can be interrupted by the second imparted colored region 70 or firstimparted colored region 60 or the combination of the first impartedcolored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70. The firstimparted colored region 60 can be surrounded by the background region50.

The first imparted colored region 60, as shown in FIG. 1, can be asubstantially elongated shape. Without being bound by theory, it isbelieved that substantially elongated shapes that are aligned with or onthe longitudinal centerline L may make the absorbent article 5 look asif the absorbent article 5 is slim as compared to an absorbent article 5devoid of such an elongated shape. A consumer might associate such animpression with a belief that the apparently narrow absorbent article 5will fit comfortably in the crotch of her panty. The first impartedcolored region 60 can have a width less than about 50% of the maximumdistance between portions of the periphery 110 coincident with thetransverse centerline T. Ovals and generally rectangular shaped shapesare examples of substantially elongated shapes. To provide for morevisually coherent designs, the first imparted colored region 60 andsecond imparted colored region 70 can be within a CIELab color spacevolume of less than about 200. CIELab color space volume is discussed inmore detail below. With such an approach, the colors of the firstimparted colored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70 do notdiffer substantially to the eye of most viewers and viewers mightperceive the colors to be the same or shades or subtle variations of thesame color. Subtle variations in color are thought to be pleasing to theeye, much like sample paint chips having slightly varying colors foundin home decoration stores that can be pleasurable and interesting toview. If less distinctiveness between the first imparted colored region60 and second imparted colored region 70 is desired, the first impartedcolored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70 can be within aCIELab color space volume of less than about 50.

The second imparted colored region 70 can be substantially arcuateshaped. Arcuate shaped second imparted colored regions 70 are thought tobe perceived by consumers as barriers to flow of liquid in the absorbentarticle or as providing an indication to a consumer that she may notwant fluid to pass beyond such a colored region or that once such fluidflow has occurred she may want to be prepared to wear a fresh product inthe near future.

Arcuate shapes include, but are not limited to, shapes generallycorresponding to those found on common keyboards including the greaterthan symbol, parenthesis, circumflex (also referred to as the caretsymbol), and bracket as well as generally c-shaped shapes, and slightmodifications of any of these previously mentioned shapes. Arcuateshapes, as defined herein, can be generally curved like a letter C orcan be more angular such as the symbol <. Thus, arcuate shapes do notnecessarily have any particular curvature.

Arcuate shapes can be considered to have an open side and a closed side.The closed side is the side to which the legs 120 of the arcuate shapeare oriented and the open side is opposing the closed side. Forinstance, if the arcuate shape is a closing parenthesis, the closed sideis to the left of the parenthesis and the open side is to the right ofthe parenthesis. In some embodiments, the legs 120 can have free ends125, which are the ends of the legs 120, if present. The free ends 125can be located closer to the transverse centerline T than other portionsof the second imparted colored region 70. The second imparted coloredregion 70 can be continuous between the free ends 125. As viewed fromthe body facing surface 10, the legs 120 can at least partially overlapthe first imparted colored region 60, can be spaced apart from the firstimparted colored region 60, or can appear to be just be in contact withthe first imparted colored region 60. As viewed from the body facingsurface 10, the legs 120 can at least partially overlap, be spaced apartfrom, or just in contact with another colored region. Without beingbound by theory, it is thought that arcuate shapes having the closedside oriented towards the centroid 40 of the absorbent article 5 areperceived by consumers as barriers to flow. Such shapes, sized,dimensioned, and located appropriately between the centroid 40 of theabsorbent article 5 and the periphery 110 can indicate to the wearer theboundaries of where she should expect staining on the absorbent article5 under normal usage conditions. The second imparted colored region 70can be symmetric about the longitudinal centerline L.

The first layer 20 can be a topsheet. The first layer 20 can be a fluidpervious polymer film or a nonwoven material. The first layer 20 can bea secondary topsheet or insert, for instance an intermediate layer thatis between the material in contact with the wearer's body when worn andthe absorbent core 90 that is designed to collect and retain fluid. Thefirst layer 20 can be an absorbent core. The first layer 20 can be afibrous nonwoven wherein fibers from the nonwoven protrude through thesecond layer 22. Fibers from the nonwoven protruding through the secondlayer 22 can be provided by needle punching or other suitable method formoving the fibers of one web through another web such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,410,683.

The second layer 22 can be a topsheet. The second layer 22 can be afluid pervious polymer film, a nonwoven material, or another suitablefluid pervious material. The second layer 22 can be a secondary topsheetor insert, for instance an intermediate layer that is between thematerial in contact with the wearer's body, such as the topsheet, whenworn and the absorbent core 90 that is designed to collect and retainfluid. The second layer 22 can be an absorbent core.

An absorbent article 5, as described in herein, can be fabricated byproviding the first layer 20 with a first imparted colored region 60coincident with the longitudinal centerline L. The first impartedcolored region 60 can be provided by a first coloration technique. Thesecond layer 22 can be provided with a second imparted colored region 70that is laterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away fromthe longitudinal centerline L than the first imparted colored region 60,the second imparted colored region 70 extending across the longitudinalcenterline L. The second imparted colored region 70 can be provided by asecond coloration technique.

Each of the first imparted colored region 60 and second imparted coloredregion 70 can be provided by a technique selected from the groupconsisting of ink jet printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing,lithographic printing, screen printing, and combinations thereof. In oneembodiment of the method of fabricating, the coloration technique bywhich the first imparted colored region is colored can differ from thecoloration technique by which the second imparted colored region iscolored.

Other means of providing for first imparted colored region 60 and secondimparted colored region 70 are contemplated, such means being capable ofproviding a structure wherein the first imparted colored region 60 andsecond imparted colored region 70 differ in color as compared to thebackground region 50. Color can be imparted to a region, for instance,by selectively discoloring a portion of a substrate such that the firstimparted colored region 60 and second imparted colored region 70 differin color as compared to the background region 50.

An absorbent article 5 can be fabricated by a method comprising thesteps of providing the first layer 20 with a first imparted coloredregion 60 coincident with said longitudinal centerline, said firstimparted colored region provided by a first coloration technique. Asecond layer 22 can be provided with a second imparted colored region 70that is laterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away fromthe longitudinal centerline L than the first imparted colored region 60.The second imparted colored region 70 can extend across the longitudinalcenterline L. The second imparted colored region 70 can be provided by asecond coloration technique. The first layer 20 and the second layer 22can be brought into registration with one another. The resultingabsorbent article 5 can comprise a background region 50. The backgroundregion 50, the first imparted colored region 60, and the second impartedcolored region 70 can be viewable from the body facing surface 10 of theabsorbent article 5. The first imparted colored region 60 and secondimparted colored region 70 differ in color as compared to the backgroundregion 50.

A cross section of the absorbent article 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 isshown in FIG. 2. Each component of the absorbent article 5 can beconsidered to have a body facing side 11 and a garment facing side 12.The body facing side 11 being oriented towards the wearer's body whenthe absorbent article is in-use and the garment facing side 12 opposingthe body facing side 11.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a first layer 20 of an absorbent article 5having a first imparted colored region. FIG. 4 is a schematic of asecond layer 22 of an absorbent article 5 having a second impartedcolored region. The first layer 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 can beregistered with the second layer 22 illustrated in FIG. 4 to create anabsorbent article 5 having a visual impression similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 1.

An embodiment of a second imparted colored region 70 is shown in FIG. 5.The second imparted colored region 70 illustrated in FIG. 5, which hasfree ends 125 that are narrower than other portions of the secondimparted colored region 70, may be more effectively perceived by usersas delineating a boundary that indicates that a new article 5 may beneeded if fluid extends beyond such second imparted colored region 70.As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent article 5 can comprise two secondimparted colored regions 70, wherein the first imparted colored region60 is between the two second imparted colored regions 70.

The color of the first imparted colored region 60 and second impartedcolored region 70 and background region 50 are measured by thereflectance spectrophotometer according to the colors L*, a*, and b*values. The L*, a*, and b* values are measured from the body facingsurface 10 of the absorbent article 5 inboard of the periphery 110 ofthe absorbent article 5. The difference in color is calculated using theL*, a*, and b* values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X).−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X).−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2). Herein,the ‘X’ in the equation may represent the first imparted colored region60, the second imparted colored region 70, or the background region 50and ‘Y’ may represent the color of another region against which thecolor of such region is compared. X and Y should not be the same twopoints of measurement at the same time. In other words, for anyparticular comparison of the difference in color, the location of X #the location of Y.

Where more than two colors are used, the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ values alternatelyinclude points of measurement in them also. The key to the ΔEcalculation herein is that the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ values should not stem fromthe same measured point on the viewing surface. In those instances wherethere is effectively no background region 50 within the confines of themeasurement area, the ‘X’ values should flow from a point different inspatial relationship to the ‘Y’ values, but within the confines of theabsorbent core periphery.

Reflectance color is measured using the Hunter Lab LabScan XEreflectance spectrophotometer obtained from Hunter Associates Laboratoryof Reston, Va. An absorbent article 5 is tested at an ambienttemperature between 65° F. and 75° F. and a relative humidity between50% and 80%.

The spectrophotometer is set to the CIELab color scale and with a D65illumination. The Observer is set at 10° and the Mode is set at 45/0°.Area View is set to 0.125″ and Port Size is set to 0.20″ for films. Thespectrophotometer is calibrated prior to sample analysis utilizing theblack glass and white reference tiles supplied from the vendor with theinstrument. Calibration is done according to the manufacturer'sinstructions as set forth in LabScan XE User's Manual, Manual Version1.1, August 2001, A60-1010-862. If cleaning is required of the referencetiles or samples, only tissues that do not contain embossing, lotion, orbrighteners should be used (e.g., PUFFS tissue). Any sample point on theabsorbent article containing the imparted color to be analyzed can beselected.

The absorbent article 5 is placed over the sample port of thespectrophotometer with a white clamp disk placed behind the absorbentarticle 5. The absorbent article 5 is to be in a substantially flatcondition and free of wrinkles.

The absorbent article 5 is removed and repositioned so that a minimum ofsix readings of color of the body facing surface 10 are conducted. Ifpossible (e.g., the size of the imparted color on the element inquestion does not limit the ability to have six discretely different,non-overlapping sample points), each of the readings is to be performedat a substantially different region on the externally visible surface sothat no two sample points overlap. If the size of the imparted coloredregion requires overlapping of sample points, only six samples should betaken with the sample points selected to minimize overlap between anytwo sample points. The readings are averaged to yield the reported L*,a*, and b* values for a specified color on an externally visible surfaceof an element.

In calculating the CIELab color space volume, V, maximum and minimum L*,a*, and b* values reported are determined for a particular set ofregions to be measured. The maximum and minimum L*, a*, and b* valuesreported are used to calculate the CIELab color space volume, V,according to the following formula:

$V = {\frac{4}{3}{\frac{\Delta \; L^{*}}{2}}{\frac{\Delta \; a^{*}}{2}}{\frac{\Delta \; b^{*}}{2}}}$

Within the above formula, ΔL* is the difference in L* values between thetwo colored regions being compared and is calculated by:ΔL*=L*_(X)−L*_(Y). The Δa* is the difference in a* values between thetwo colored regions being compared and is calculated by:Δa*=a*_(X)−a*_(Y). The Δb* is the difference in b* values between thetwo colored regions being compared and is calculated by:Δb*=b*_(X)−b*_(Y). The CIELab color space volume can result in a solidsubstantially ellipsoidal in shape. If ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* are equal, thesolid will be spherical. As used herein, a “solid” refers to themathematical concept of a three-dimensional figure having length,breadth, and height (or depth). An ellipsoidal volume is preferred tocalculate volume because an ellipsoid generally requires the dimensionaldifferences of ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* to be relatively more uniform thanother solids. Furthermore, it is believed that ellipsoidal volumes aremore visually acceptable (i.e., less detectable color mismatch by humanperception) than spherical volumes.

In some embodiments, the imparted colors of at least two externallyvisible surfaces of discrete elements will occupy a CIELab color spacevolume of less than about 200. The externally visible surfaces areanalyzed according to the Test Method described below. Upon analysis,the inherent color of an element comprising an externally visiblesurface will yield L*, a*, and b* coordinates. The CIELab color spacevolume is then calculated using the formula presented above. Theresulting volume can be less than about 200. The resulting volume can beless than about 50.

It should be recognized that the imparted colors of more than twodiscrete colored regions having a visible surface may occupy theaforementioned CIELab color space volumes. In calculating the CIELabcolor space volume for more than two elements, the CIELab color spacevolume is calculated using the maximum and minimum L*, a*, and b* from aset of elements. The maximum color values and minimum color values areused to calculate V according to the formula presented above.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An absorbent article having a body facing surface, a garment facingsurface opposing said body facing surface, a centroid, a longitudinalcenterline, and a transverse centerline orthogonal to said longitudinalcenterline and intersecting said longitudinal centerline at saidcentroid, said absorbent article comprising: a background region; afirst layer comprising a first imparted colored region, said firstimparted colored region coincident with said longitudinal centerline;and a second layer in facing relationship with said first layer, saidsecond layer comprising a second imparted colored region, said secondimparted colored region being laterally more extensive in a directionorthogonally away from said longitudinal centerline than said firstimparted colored region, said second imparted colored region having freeends, said second imparted colored region extending across saidlongitudinal centerline and continuous between said free ends; whereinsaid first imparted colored region and said second imparted coloredregion differ in color from said background region; wherein saidbackground region, said first imparted colored region, and said secondimparted colored region are viewable from said body facing surface. 2.The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said first impartedcolored region is coincident with said centroid.
 3. The absorbentarticle according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent article comprisestwo second imparted colored regions, wherein said first imparted coloredregion is between said two second imparted colored regions.
 4. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said first impartedcolored region and said second imparted colored region are spaced apartfrom one another along said longitudinal centerline.
 5. The absorbentarticle according to claim 1, wherein said first imparted colored regionand said second imparted colored region at least partially overlap oneanother along said longitudinal centerline.
 6. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said absorbent article has a periphery,wherein said background region is between said second imparted coloredregion and said periphery.
 7. The absorbent article according to claim1, wherein said first imparted colored region is a substantiallyelongated shape.
 8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, whereinsaid first imparted colored region and said second imparted coloredregion are substantially surrounded by said background region.
 9. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said first impartedcolored region and said second imparted colored region are within aCIELab color space volume of less than about
 200. 10. The absorbentarticle according to claim 1, wherein said first imparted colored regionand said second imparted colored region are within a CIELab color spacevolume of less than about
 50. 11. The absorbent article according toclaim 1, wherein said absorbent article has a periphery, wherein saidfirst imparted colored region has a width less than about 50% of themaximum distance between portions of said periphery coincident with saidtransverse centerline.
 12. The absorbent article according to claim 1,wherein said first imparted colored region, said second imparted coloredregion, and said background region are measured by a Hunter ReflectanceMeter test according to the colors L*, a*, and b*, the L*, a*, and b*values being measured from said body facing surface, wherein said firstimparted colored region and said second imparted colored region have acolor difference, the color difference being calculated using the L*,a*, and b* values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X).−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X).−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2), whereinsaid ΔE between said first imparted colored region and said backgroundregion is at least about 1 and wherein said ΔE between said secondimparted colored region and said background region is at least about 1.13. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said secondimparted colored region is substantially arcuate shaped.
 14. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said second impartedcolored region is substantially arcuate shaped, and symmetric about saidlongitudinal centerline, and has two free ends, wherein said two freeends of said second imparted colored region are located closer to saidtransverse centerline than other portions of said second impartedcolored region.
 15. The absorbent article according to claim 1, whereinsaid first layer is a nonwoven and fibers from said nonwoven protrudethrough said second layer.
 16. The absorbent article according to claim1, wherein said second imparted colored region is continuous betweensaid free ends.
 17. A method for fabricating an absorbent article havinga body facing surface, a garment facing surface, and a periphery, saidabsorbent article comprising a first layer and a second layer in facingrelationship with one another, said absorbent article having a centroid,said absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and a transversecenterline intersecting said longitudinal centerline at said centroidand orthogonal to said longitudinal centerline, said method comprisingthe steps of: a. providing said first layer with a first impartedcolored region coincident with said longitudinal centerline, said firstimparted colored region provided by a first coloration technique; b.providing said second layer with a second imparted colored region thatis laterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away from saidlongitudinal centerline than said first imparted colored region, saidsecond imparted colored region extending across said longitudinalcenterline, said second imparted colored region provided by a secondcoloration technique; and c. registering said first layer and saidsecond layer with one another; wherein said absorbent article comprisesa background region, wherein said background region, said first impartedcolored region, and said second imparted colored region are viewablefrom said body facing surface, wherein said first imparted coloredregion and said second imparted colored region differ in color from saidbackground region.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein saidfirst coloration technique is selected from the group consisting of inkjet printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, lithographicprinting, and screen printing, and combinations thereof and said secondcoloration technique is selected from the group consisting of inkjetprinting, gravure printing, flexographic printing, lithographicprinting, screen printing, and combinations thereof.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 18, wherein said first coloration technique differsfrom said second coloration technique.
 20. The method according to claim17, wherein said first imparted colored region, said second impartedcolored region, and said background region are measured by a HunterReflectance Meter test according to the colors L*, a*, and b*, the L*,a*, and b* values being measured from said body facing surface, whereinsaid first imparted colored region and said second imparted coloredregion have a color difference, the color difference being calculatedusing the L*, a*, and b* values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X).−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X).−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2), whereinsaid ΔE between said first imparted colored region and said backgroundregion is at least about 1 and wherein said ΔE between said secondimparted colored region and said background region is at least about 1.